Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:10 PM.

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The decision came down to just two colleges for Arendell Parrott Academy senior first baseman John Tyer.

Because St. Andrews University had all he needed — a great biology lab, an athletic scholarship and a rising baseball program, the choice was simple.

Tyer signed with St. Andrews Wednesday in the Parrott lobby to finalize his decision to attend the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division-II Laurinburg-based college over Methodist University.

“I wanted to be a biology major and their biology lab is the size of a soccer field,” he said about SAU. “It was huge and … definitely where I want to be.”

Aside from that, Tyer will join the baseball team as an infielder. Naturally a first baseman, he was also recruited to play third.

His journey began merely two months ago after he made a connection with St. Andrews coachDrew Roberts through a mutual friend while also filing an online recruiting application. The staff saw a video on YouTube of Tyer playing, brought him up to campus and made him an offer about two weeks ago.

Tyer said he feels more comfortable at first, since that’s where he trained most of his three years playing on the Parrott varsity team. However, he’s willing to make any adjustments, as he’s already began summer training to prepare himself for the fall.

The decision came down to just two colleges for Arendell Parrott Academy senior first baseman John Tyer.

Because St. Andrews University had all he needed — a great biology lab, an athletic scholarship and a rising baseball program, the choice was simple.

Tyer signed with St. Andrews Wednesday in the Parrott lobby to finalize his decision to attend the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division-II Laurinburg-based college over Methodist University.

“I wanted to be a biology major and their biology lab is the size of a soccer field,” he said about SAU. “It was huge and … definitely where I want to be.”

Aside from that, Tyer will join the baseball team as an infielder. Naturally a first baseman, he was also recruited to play third.

His journey began merely two months ago after he made a connection with St. Andrews coachDrew Roberts through a mutual friend while also filing an online recruiting application. The staff saw a video on YouTube of Tyer playing, brought him up to campus and made him an offer about two weeks ago.

Tyer said he feels more comfortable at first, since that’s where he trained most of his three years playing on the Parrott varsity team. However, he’s willing to make any adjustments, as he’s already began summer training to prepare himself for the fall.

APA coaches have also played a hand in readying the senior.

“The coaches have really sent me to really good camps,” Tyer said. “They’ve also just … played me where I needed to be and told me what I needed to do at the next level.”

Though his first base play may have attracted recruiters, he also did well for Parrott at the plate this year. Tyer finished the season with a .396 batting average, 21 RBIs and a home run. He also will head to SAU with a .875 fielding percentage.

“I think John will do very well in college baseball,” APA coach Steve Bryant said. “He loves the game, is willing to work and if he goes down there and puts in the effort, I think he’ll be able to really help St. Andrews.”

The SAU Knights finished the season 27-23, while Tyer exits a Patriots team that ended their season with a 14-3 mark. St. Andrews is part of the NAIA’s Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Tyer said he’s amassed tons of Parrott memories both on and off the field. As the fifth Parrott senior who signed to play college sports this year, he is “honored” to be part of that group and have the chance to continue his athletic career.

“I know the baseball program, they’re on the rise. They’re getting new stuff, so I’m excited,” said Tyer, who’s played baseball since he was 4 years old. “I’ve just always played. My mom and dad always pushed me, and I just loved the sport.”

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.